“Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol”: Action to the (I)Max

Tom Cruise may not be our finest actor, but he sure knows how to put on a show. “Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol” is the latest in the IMF saga based on the iconic TV show “Mission Impossible”, and it is the best one so far. As is usually the case with these big budget extravaganzas, don’t bother yourself with plot lines and just take in the amazing action, preferably in the IMAX format. Director Brad Bird has had success in the animation field with “The Incredibles” and “Ratatouille”, so he knows about the importance of color. The IMAX version of this film is crystal clear and bright (as opposed to 3D) and Bird, with this film, shows he can handle non-animated superhero action sequences too. Micheal Nyqvist (star of the Swedish “Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”) is a crazed Russian Nuclear strategist who wants to start a nuclear holocaust in the belief that the remaining humanity will end up stronger (I told you not to get too involved in second guessing the plot). The IMF team’s mission is to stop him. Things get rolling with Ethan Hunt (Cruise) being spring from a Russian Prison with the help of team member Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg providing the film’s comic relief), you’re gripping the arms of your chair and the title credits haven’t even started rolling yet. Cruise’s team also includes Paula Patton as Jane Carter (providing the Babe factor with some serious fighting skills) and Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner (“The Hurt Locker”) as a field agent turned analyst with some serious secrets to hide. The photography is amazing with Budapest, Moscow, Mumbai, and Dubai giving us plenty of scenic firepower. If you start to think ‘how could that possible happen’ you’ll spoil things for yourself, so sit back and take it all in. This will be the big box office winner of the holiday season.